Shelley Rudling is the founder of Leap Events, which seeks to drive change through inclusive events. Here, she shares her story – including the challenges she has had to overcome to get to where she is today
My life has been a journey of ups and downs, but I have always tried to focus on the positive and see challenges as opportunities for growth and resilience. One of the biggest challenges I faced was an undiagnosed case of dyslexia that caused problems in my academic and personal life. For a long time, I struggled to keep up with my peers and thought I was just not smart enough. However, I eventually sought help and received a diagnosis, which allowed me to understand my struggles better and find strategies to manage my dyslexia. This experience has taught me the importance of seeking help when needed and not being afraid to ask for support.
Another significant challenge that I faced was being a victim of domestic abuse, not once, but twice. These experiences left me feeling broken, filled with self-doubt, and struggling with low self-esteem. However, I made a conscious decision to not let those experiences define me, and I worked on developing coping strategies to overcome those challenges. Through determination, I am working on rebuilding my self-confidence and learn to value myself and my worth.
Raising my boys while working several unfulfilling jobs was another significant challenge in my life. I had to juggle many responsibilities and make many sacrifices to provide for my family. To make a difference in my community and to find a sense of fulfilment, I volunteered as a parish councillor and a football welfare officer. Through these roles, I was able to help others, make a positive impact on the lives of many, and feel a sense of purpose.
In conclusion, my life has been a series of challenges, but I have learned to face them head-on and not let them define me. Each challenge has taught me important lessons and helped me grow as a person. I am proud of what I have accomplished so far, and I look forward to what the future holds.
At the start of the pandemic, my life looked very different both professionally and personally. I was running a charity while also working as a teacher’s assistant, but I had a growing sense of wanting to do more both personally and professionally. When the pandemic hit, it gave me an unexpected gift of time with my boys and an opportunity to re-evaluate my priorities.
During the early months of the pandemic, I was able to slow down and really listen to my internal voice. I started to question what was truly important to me and what I wanted to achieve in life. This was a valuable time for me as I was able to focus on my personal growth and development. I started to read more, exercise more, and practice self-care. This helped me to stay grounded and focused during what was a challenging time for many.
On a professional level, the pandemic presented many challenges, especially for the charity I was running. Unfortunately, I was made redundant, which was difficult at the time. However, this event gave me a chance to think about what direction I wanted to take in my professional life.
Overall, the past couple of years have been a time of growth and transformation for me. Although the path has not always been easy, I have learned to embrace challenges and to trust that everything happens for a reason. Despite the setback of losing my job, I was able to use this time as an opportunity to reflect on my goals and move forward with a sense of purpose. I feel like I have grown into the person I am meant to be, and I am excited about the future and the possibilities that it holds.
A couple of years ago, I started planning an event primarily aimed at female entrepreneurs or those wanting to start their own business. However, after many months of talking and networking, I quickly realized that people, including men and male allies, wanted more. They wanted, like me, a community of solidarity and support – a place where they could feel safe and have important discussions but most importantly, have fun. This is how Leap Events was born.
I have created different elements to meet this need for a supportive community, including Leap Talks, which aim to give everyone a place to be seen and heard. We recently held our first Be You event in Bury, which was amazing, with inspiring and generous panellists. We plan to hold these talks in Cambridge, Ipswich, and Norwich as well.
Additionally, we have Leap Events, which are bigger scale events that invite keynote speakers and exhibitors from East Anglia. We just launched Activate Your Potential, which is very exciting.
Lastly, we have our intimate lunches, which provide a relaxed and informal setting for networking and conversation. It’s important to me that this is a place for everyone, regardless of gender, and that inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do.
Leap Events is constantly evolving, as I am always looking for new ways to meet the needs of the community. As a human sponge, I listen and absorb what people think and feel, so every event is unique and tailored to what people want and need at that time.
As Leap Events continues to evolve, my focus remains on creating an inclusive community where everyone feels welcome, including men and male allies. I believe that inclusion is essential, and I am committed to ensuring that Leap Events continues to be a safe and supportive space for all.
The community I am creating through Leap Events is one that is inclusive and safe for everyone. It’s a place where everyone is valued, regardless of their gender, race, or background. My aim is to create a space where people can come together for support, guidance, mentoring, or even just a friendly chat.
The community that I envision is one that is built on a foundation of trust, respect, and empathy. It’s a place where people can feel comfortable being themselves and expressing their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment or discrimination. As someone looking to connect with others, my hope is that Leap Events will provide a space where people can find what they are looking for.
I am committed to creating a community that is constantly evolving and growing, based on the needs and desires of its members. This means that each event will be unique and tailored to the people attending, with a focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all.
“Activate Your Potential: Winning Strategies in Sports and Business” is the next event hosted by Leap Events. The event will feature a line-up of amazing speakers, including a former Olympian, business leaders, podcasters, nutritionists, and public personalities, who will share their experiences and expertise on topics such as physical activity, mental health, discipline, focus, and teamwork.
In addition to the great line-up of speakers, the event will also have a variety of engaging exhibitors from the health, wellness, and fitness industries, providing attendees with the opportunity to discover new products and services that can help them achieve their health and fitness goals.
This event promises to be an incredible opportunity for attendees to learn from the best in the industry, network with like-minded individuals, and gain valuable knowledge and tools to take themselves or their businesses to the next level. Anyone who wants to activate their potential for success should register now!
My past experiences have made it difficult for me to have too many specific hopes and dreams for the future. However, what I do know is that I want to continue to help people, work with amazing individuals, and be a good role model. I aspire to inspire others and instil in them a sense that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
In terms of Leap Events, I hope to see it continue to grow and evolve into a thriving community that brings people together, fosters inclusivity, and provides a safe space for individuals to connect, learn, and grow. I want to continue to organize events that are impactful, inspiring, and fun, and that provide attendees with valuable knowledge and tools to take their lives and businesses to the next level. Ultimately, my dream is to create a positive impact on the world, one person and one event at a time.
Visit LEAP Events and follow on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. ‘Activate Your Potential: Winning Strategies from Sport to Business’ takes place at Norwich City Football Club on June 30.
Featured image of Shelley Rudling taken by Penny Morgan
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